Every men's & women's home soccer game this season will have free audio & video streaming through a new & improved web service through the portlandpilots.com site! Testing is currently underway, and the system should be up and running for Friday's game vs. PSU. Keep an eye out here for some links once their system is up and operational... but this is very cool for those not able to attend games in person.

Sweeney was nervous, obviously, but she showed promise by providing insight into the energy Merlo provides, the adrenaline pump provided by the starting of a Villa chant, and a possible plan behind the new haircuts for Winters and Schmidt.

She will learn, over time, to fill in the occasional dead air, refer to her former teammates by surmane only, and get accustomed to her new perspective, setting sunlight hindering view not withstanding.

I also enjoyed the shoutouts to the trainers, conditioning coaches, and even our own Stoney as he texted Linnman in the first half. Ms. Alexander of the '05 team also wanted a score update as her USD Toreros were earning a 1-0 win over #19 USC. Good to see alumni wanting to check in on their alma mater!

Linnman, obviously, was more comfortable, having been the voice for the women's soccer and occasionally basketball teams for the last few years and provided the first Fun Fact of the season: his brother taught Freshman Capelle in high school. One of the few negatives was his announcing the PSU lineup during the national anthem, but the normal routine was off due to the presentation of the student athlete awards and acknowledgment of the 20th season of Merlo play and Mr. Merlo himself. He also believes he will mistaking Reed for Johnson around seven times a game (his words, not mine).

Even the cameraman had to shake off some rust, at times aiming for where they thought the ball would end up instead of where it was at the time. This is explainable due to the lack of student workers at the time, mentioned by Linnman in the second half, resulting in Brough, the SID, handling multiple positions like scoreboard operator and possible cameraman. It also was clearly inside the press box because it struggled to get into the nearside (parking lot) corner, also explainable due to the lack of help in the press box.

Volume-wise, one could hear the drum squad easily under the commentary, singing not as much but that still means they were loud, short staffed as they were in the first half.

It's not nearly the same as experiencing it in person, but it'll do in a pinch.

Overall, awesome broadcast, kudos to the shorthanded staff for a good first game and here's to a great season!